Britain imposes sanctions on Abramovich, blocking his bid to sell Chelsea

LONDON – The British government imposed sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich on Thursday, freezing his bid to sell English soccer club Chelsea, which he owns.

Abramovich, 55, put Chelsea for sale on March 2, in the wake of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich acquired Chelsea in 2003 and has always denied any political connection to Russia’s ruling class, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government said on Thursday it had frozen all of the billionaire’s assets in Britain.

Chelsea will receive a special license to continue their business, but with the sale of the club suspended.

Nadine Doris, Minister of State for Culture, Media and Sports, said that the government issued a special license to enable Chelsea to play, pay salaries to employees and enable ticket holders to attend matches, because it does not want to harm the European and world champions.

She said on Twitter: “I know this decision will cause uncertainty but the government will work with the league and clubs to continue football activities while ensuring that sanctions achieve their intended goal. Football clubs are cultural assets and are the bedrock of our societies. We are committed to protecting them.”

The government said the license would remain under review.